The Cleveland County Rescue Mission has received a $500,000 housing grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

"It is awesome news, and we will be able to complete the building," said Executive Director Michael Gullatte. "We are excited to see God working. He is concerned about the poor and those in need and this is a testament to God's provision."

The announcement was made Thursday afternoon by U.S. Senator Kay Hagan as part of a $1.5 million package presented to the Rescue Mission and two other groups in North Carolina. The Charlotte Center for Urban Ministry Inc. received $500,000 for construction of a three-story building with efficiency apartments; and Autumn Crest Apartments in Kannapolis was awarded $500,000 for construction of an 87-unit project for low-income families.

'Full steam ahead'

Strickland Contractors has worked with volunteers from the N.C. Baptist Men's Camp and to complete more than half of phase one of the $1.2 million Rescue Mission, Gullatte said.

"The grant couldn't have come at a better time," he said. "Our volunteers have done a tremendous job with the drywall, painting and installing the grid for the drop ceilings. But we were to a point that required major construction by the contractor - the elevator, plumbing and HVAC."

With the grant secured, Gullatte said they can give the contractor to go "full steam ahead."

"This has been a God-sized project and the Lord has proven himself faithful to his work," he said.

'Tremendous need for ongoing operating costs'

The new facility on Buffalo Street is approximately 17,000 square feet and will have 80 beds by the time phase two of the project is complete. At the current shelter, there are 30 beds, three baths and a waiting list. The grant provides enough funds to complete phase one, which will house 40 men and have eight showers. The remainder will be used to start work on phase two.

Phase one also includes a medical clinic and community soup kitchen, which will provide 200 meals a day. Gullatte is expecting to move into the new shelter by late fall.

While the new shelter is being built, money to operate the current shelter is still needed. Money from the grant can only be used toward construction, he said.

"There is a tremendous need for ongoing operating budget costs and to plan for the operating budget for the new facility," he said. "We receive some support from the United Way, and are totally dependent on our friends of the mission - churches, individuals, civic organizations, Sunday school classes and others."